Merged NSW councils to remain in place

All merged councils across the state will remain in place as communities continue to enjoy the financial benefits and improvements to services.

In addition to maintaining all existing mergers, Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the government would push ahead with the councils in Sydney that are before the courts.

“Local government reform is particularly important in Sydney if we are to deliver on our commitments to increase housing supply, improve planning and deliver local infrastructure and amenity to communities,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“We have also listened to concerns about local character in Sydney and will continue to ensure individual wards of merged councils will have a say in strategic planning processes so that local residents get an even stronger say in the planning of their neighbourhoods.”

The government will not proceed with regional councils that have yet to be merged.

“Whilst there have been a number of significant improvements in merged regional councils, we accept that a one size fits all model does not always apply outside Sydney,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“The financial benefits over the next 20 years will be six times greater in the Sydney councils than those in regional areas.”

Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the government is committed to listening, and delivering, for the communities across regional NSW.

“Local councils in the bush have done their fair share to contribute to stronger local government in NSW, and today we draw a line under local government amalgamations in the regions,” Mr Barilaro said.

“This decision has been made to ensure that we put an end to the confusion and uncertainty for those councils locked in drawn-out legal battles.”

Minister for Local Government Gabrielle Upton said three rounds of mergers in regional NSW over recent decades had seen significant consolidation of councils.

“With more than 1.74 million people set to make Sydney home over the next 20 years, metropolitan councils need to keep up with housing and local infrastructure demands,” Ms Upton said.

“The five remaining metropolitan mergers are expected to generate $530 million in benefits over 20 years. Communities deserve to see these benefits.”

The Premier said new councils created last year will continue to serve their communities.